Dispensing systems

ABSTRACT

A system for limiting the flow from a dispensing valve when a dispensing cartridge is replaced with the system including a dispenser cartridge with a cam and a water socket with a flow limiter therein that is activeable in response to the position of the dispenser cartridge in the dispensing valve and operable in response to an upstream fluid pressure in the dispensing valve.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 15/330,533 filedOct. 4, 2016 (pending), which is a division of application Ser. No.14/545,413 filed May 1, 2015 titled DISPENSING SYSTEMS (now U.S. Pat.No. 9,725,920), which claims priority from provisional application61/999,099 filed Jul. 16, 2014 titled Dispensing Systems.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The concepts of dispensers for delivering water purification materialinto a body of water such as a pool or the like are known in the art.One such example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,566 which showsnestable canisters for use in inline dispersal valves that normally holdonly a single canister with the nestable canisters suitable forreplacing the single canister, which disperses a single chemicaldispersant, with a first canister to disperse a first dispersant and asecond canister to disperse a second dispersant. The dual canisterspermit simultaneous but separate treatment of a temporarily bifurcatedfluid stream that flows through a set of dispersal valve ports that werenormally used for dispensing only one chemical dispersant into thedispersal valve. In addition, the nestable canisters may be providedwith an improved bactericide and algaecide for killing bacteria andalgae in the water with each of the canisters including a set of portsthat connect to the inlet and outlet port in the inline dispenser.

A number of patents show valves or the like for controlling the flowthrough some type of inline dispensing system.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,875,170 shows a treatment system with a set of valves tocontrol the flow of liquid through the treatment system.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,406,870 shows a swimming pool chlorinator that uses aball valve to control flow of material into the body of water.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,596,812 shows a valve block for supplying chlorine thatuses a ball valve to control the flow of liquid.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,116 shows a chlorinator that contains an openingthat is formed by the relative position of two members with slots.

U.S. patent application 2011/0163124 shows a granular chemical dispenserthat uses ganged valves to control the inlet to the dispenser.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,565 shows a device for treating or sensing throughthe use of flow sensors or objects acted upon by the flowing water.

King U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,566 shows an inline dispenser havingreplaceable cartridges container within a chamber of the inlinedispenser.

U.S. patent application 2002/0153043 discloses a pool chlorinator with acheck valve to prevent the water and gases to enter the chemicalcompartment through the return port.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A consumer friendly device for a dispensing valve comprising a converterwith a cartridge activeable flow limiter for changing a normally openport-dispensing valve into a normally closed port dispensing valve whenthere is no dispensing cartridge in the dispensing valve. In one examplethe invention comprises a dispensing system wherein the dispensingcartridges carried by a dispensing valve can be replaced on the go withthe dispensing valve including a flow limiter that reduces or shuts offthe flow of fluid from a dispensing valve port when one of thedispensing cartridges is removed from a chamber in the dispensing valve.The converter allows one to convert a conventional dispensing valve to aflow limiting valve through the insertion of a converter containing flowlimiters with the converter self securable to an interior surface of adispensing valve and mateable with the existing ports of the dispensingvalve. In another example the invention includes a cartridge dispenserthat is mountable within a dispensing valve with the cartridge dispenserincluding a deactivator engageable with a flow limiter in the converterfor opening the flow limiter when the cartridge dispenser is in adispensing condition. The flow limiter is normally maintainable in aclosed condition through the pressure forces acting on an underside ofthe flow limiter. Other features and examples are described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a dispensing valve for delivering watertreatment materials to a swimming pool;

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of a dispensing valve containing replaceabledispenser cartridges;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view showing a converter being inserted into a priorart dispenser;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the converter;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the converter of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the converter of FIG. 4 taken along lines6,7-6,7 with the converter in a flow limiting condition;

FIG. 6A is a side view in section showing the converter frictionallymounted in a dispenser housing;

FIG. 6B is an isolated view of the cantilevered radial fins on theconverter;

FIG. 6C is a perspective of a flow limiter;

FIG. 6D is an isolated view of an end cap without a flow limitertherein;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the converter of FIG. 4 taken along lines 6,7with the converter in a flow through condition;

FIG. 8 is a side view partially in section shown the converter of FIG. 5about to be inserted on the extension sockets of the inline dispenser;

FIG. 9 is a side view partially in section shown the converter of FIG. 5engaged with the extension sockets of the inline dispenser;

FIG. 10 is a side view partially in section shown a set of dispensingcartridges to be inserted into the converter, which is mounted on theextension sockets of the inline dispenser;

FIG. 11 is a pictorial end view of an annular dispensing cartridgehaving a deactivator for engaging the flow limiter in the converter;

FIG. 11A is a pictorial end view of a cylindrical cartridge having adeactivator for engaging the flow limiter in the converter;

FIG. 11B is an isolated pictorial view of a cam located in a socket of adispenser cartridge;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing flow limiters in a deactivatedcondition;

FIG. 12A is a sectional view showing flow limiters in an operativecondition;

FIG. 12b is an isolated view of the extensions sockets of the dispenserand the dispensing cartridge in mating engagement with the flow limiterdeactivated by the dispensing cartridge;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing the flow limiters as integral partof an inline dispenser;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a set of cartridge s mounted in a converter;

FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view through the sockets similar to theview along lines 6,7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a set of dispensing cartridges, aconverter and a bulk feeder;

FIG. 17 is a partial sectional view of a bulk feeder and a converter foraxial insertion into a compartment in the bulk feeder;

FIG. 17A shows a converter mounted in a bulk feeder;

FIG. 17B shows a converter edge in engagement with a bulk feeder;

FIG. 17C shows a converter edge in engagement with a bulk feeder;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing the sockets and flow selector at thebottom of the bulk-dispensing cartridge;

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a bulk feeder converter;

FIG. 20 is a top view of a bulk feeder converter of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is bottom view of the bulk feeder converter with a flow limiter;

FIG. 22 is an isolated view of the flow limiter in the bulk feederconverter of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a perspective partially cutaway view of a dispensercartridge;

FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of the bulk feeder converter andthe contoured sockets located thereon; and

FIG. 24A is a bottom perspective view of the bulk feeder converter witha cylindrical deactivator cam.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a front view of a typical dispensing valve 10 for deliveringwater treatment materials to a swimming pool or the like. The dispensingvalve 10 includes a base or flange 16, with an inlet fitting 11 on oneend and an outlet fitting 12 on the opposite end. On top of flange 16 isa housing 13 having a cover 14 that is securable to the housing 13. Thecover allows one to remove and insert fresh cartridges into a chamber inthe dispensing valve 10. A rotatable control valve 15 allows one tocontrol the amount of water that is diverted through the housing 13 andthe dispensing cartridges that are located within the chamber in thehousing 13. An example of an inline dispensing valve is shown in King etal. U.S. Pat. No. 8,464,743 and is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of a dispensing system with the dispensingvalve 10 of FIG. 1 showing a first cylindrical dispensing canister 22and a second annular dispensing canister 21 located in a nestedrelationship in a dispenser cartridge compartment or chamber 20 withinhousing 13. Each of canisters 21 and 22 have a set of bottom extensionsor sockets with ports for directing water into the dispersants in thecanisters 21 and 22 and then returning water with dispersants thereininto an outlet in the dispenser 10. In this example an extension orsocket 21 a of canister 21 is visible and in engagement with extensionor water socket 19 a of dispenser 10. Similarly, an extension or socket22 a of canister 22 is visible and in engagement with extension or watersocket 19 b of the dispenser 10. Each of the sockets includes a firstset of ports to allow fluid to flow from the dispensing valve into thedispersant in the dispensing cartridges and then return through anotherset of ports. An example of a dispensing system where two dispensingcartridges are fitted into the chamber of the housing to delivermultiple dispersants to a body of water can be found in King U.S. Pat.No. 6,210,566, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of an inline dispensing valve 10 showing theaxial insertion of a converter or backflow limiter 30, which contains afirst flow limiter 40 and a second flow limiter 41 that limits orprevents backflow of water into the chamber 20 of dispensing valve 10.The arrow 23 indicates the axial direction of insertion of the converter30 into the lower end of the chamber 20 where features on the undersideof converter 30 mate with the first extension socket 19 a in dispensingvalve 10 and the second extension socket 19 b in dispensing valve 10.Normally, the extension socket 19 a and extension socket 19 b of thedispensing valve 10 mates directly to a set of extension sockets on aset of dispensing cartridges, which enables the inline extension socket19 a and extension socket 19 b to direct water to and from the matingdispensing cartridges in the dispensing valve. In this example, aconverter or adapter 30 is about to be attached to the interior ofdispensing valve 10 with the converter 30 forming a functional interfacebetween the dispensing valve 10 and the dispensing cartridges located inthe dispensing valve. Converter 30 contains a first flow limiter 40 orcanister deactiveable valve and a second flow limiter 41 or a canisterdeactiveable valve for positioning in flow paths between the dispensingvalve 10 and the dispenser cartridges in the dispensing valve 10. Afeature of the invention is that the flow limiters do not interfere withthe flow during the dispensing of materials from the cartridges in thedispensing valve 10 but prevent or inhibit backflow through the chamberof the dispensing valve 10 when a dispensing cartridge is replaced. Thusa benefit of the flow limiters is that they minimize or eliminateadverse effects during the replacement of a spent cartridge withoutinterfering with the performance of the dispensing valve. Thus problemsdue to backflow can be minimized or eliminated through placement of aconverter in an existing dispensing valve and without adverselyaffecting the operation of the system.

Converter 30 is preferably made of a polymer plastic that is resistantto the dispersants and is rigid but with sufficiently resilient fins 31a that form locking frictional engagement with the sidewalls of thedispenser housing while a set of bottom sockets 35 and 36 (FIG. 7) formmating frictional engagement with the extension water sockets 19 a and19 b of the dispensing valve 10.

FIG. 3 shows the dispenser housing 13 includes an internal locater 13Ato enable one to correctly position dispensing cartridges within thechamber 20. In this example the locater 13A can be used to correctlyalign and position the converter 30 in the bottom of chamber 20. Afeature of the invention is that converter 30 can be hand mounted withindispensing valve 10 without the aid of tools and adhesives although onemay elect to use tools or adhesives if so desired. That is, converter 30can be securely mounted within dispensing valve 10 through frictionalengagement between a set of radial fins 31 a and the chamber sidewall 10a as well as the mating engagement between the extensions 19 a and 19 bon the dispensing valve 10 and a set of socket extensions 35 and 36 onthe under side of converter 30. In this example the mating andfrictional engagement between the housing and the converter maintainsthe converter 30 in a fixed condition within the dispensing valve 10. Abenefit of the converter 30 is that because of its unique frictionalmounting within the dispensing valve it allows a pool owner to updatehis or her dispensing valve by his or her self without the use of tools.A further benefit is that the converter 30 allows one to introduce flowlimiters into an existing circulation system without having to replacethe dispensing valve or to modify any of the structure of the dispensingvalve. Thus the consumer benefits from a quick conversion from anon-flow limiting system to a flow limiting system. In addition theconsumer benefits since the out of pocket expenses for system conversionare eliminated as the consumer avoids the expense of hiring a person tomake the conversion.

While FIG. 3 shows a converter 30 being axially inserted into adispensing valve 10 FIG. 4 shows an isolated top view of converter 30revealing a set of radial fins 31 a, which are cantilevered radiallyoutward from a central hub 31. Fins 31 a, while rigid, are cantileveredto provide resiliency for forming frictional engagement with a smoothsidewall of a dispensing valve. As shown in FIG. 4 converter 30 includesa first top socket 50 having an inner socket sidewall 50 a and a web orend cap forming a socket bottom member 50 b having a fluid passage 48and a plurality of smaller fluid passages 45 that are located proximateflow limiter 40 and a second top socket 51 with an inner socket sidewall51 a and a web or an end cap forming a socket bottom member 51 b havinga fluid passage 47 and a plurality of smaller fluid passages 46 that arelocated proximate flow limiter 41. As can be seen in FIG. 6 the topsocket 50 and the bottom socket 35 share an end cap 50 b. Similarly thetop socket 51 and the bottom socket 36 share an end cap 51 b. Whenconverter 30 is in a dispensing condition the plurality of fluidpassages 45 and the plurality of fluid passages 46 permit ingress offluid therethrough since flow limiter 40 and flow limiter 41 areautomatically deactivated when dispensing cartridges are inserted into adispensing valve carrying the converter 30. Therefore, in normaloperation of the dispensing valve 10 the flow limiters 40 and 41 do notlimit or interfere with the normal flow of dispersants between thedispensing cartridges and the dispensing valve. However, when converter30 is in the flow limiting condition the flow limiters 41 and 42 form anobstruction to fluid ports 45 and 46 to limit or block flowtherethrough.

In order to appreciate the operable and deactivated condition of flowlimiters 40 and 41 reference should be made to FIGS. 5-7. FIG. 5 shows aside view of converter 30 with the flow limiters concealed within theconverter 30. In order to reveal the flow limiting position of the flowlimiters and non flow limiting position of the flow limiters referenceshould be made to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, which show a sectional view takenalong lines 6,7 of FIG. 4 to reveal the position of the flow limitersunder different conditions.

FIG. 6 shows the flow limiters 40 and 41 in a flow limiting condition.In the flow limiting condition flange 81 obstructs the fluid flowthrough ports 45 and flange 81 a obstructs the fluid flow through ports46. In contrast, FIG. 7 shows the flow limiters 40 and 41 in adeactivated condition. In the deactivated condition fluid can flow pastflange 81 and through ports 45 as well as past flange 81 a and throughports 46. In the flow limiting condition, as shown in FIG. 6, the flange81 of flow limiter 40, has been axially displaceable in socket 50 toblock the apertures 45 and limit or prevent flow therethrough since theflow limiter 40 has a flange 81 having a diameter larger than a diameterof the set of fluid ports in the end cap 50 b. Similarly, the flowlimiter 41 has been axially displaceable in socket 51 to block theapertures 46 and limit or prevent flow therethrough since it has aflange having a diameter larger than the diameter of the set of fluidports in the end cap 51 b.

FIG. 6C is a perspective-isolated view of a one-piece flow limiter 40for limiting or obstructing the fluid flow through a dispensing valve inresponse to a fluid condition within the dispensing valve. As flowlimiter 40 and flow limiter 41 are identical only flow limiter 40 isdescribed herein. Flow limiter 40 includes a flat circular flange ordisk 81 with a central cylindrical stem 83 extending vertically upwardfrom the center of flange 81. The stem 83 allows the flow limiter 40 tomove up and down in a hole in the socket bottom while the stem isradially restrained by the sidewalls 50 f of a hole 50 d in an the endcap or socket web 50 b of socket 50 (FIG. 6D). Stem 83 contains a splithead 84, 85 with a first split head 84 a having a retaining barb 84 aand a second split head 85 having a retaining barb 85 a. Split head 84and split head 85 are resilient and can be pinched together tofacilitate insertion of the stem 83 into an opening 50 d in web or endcap 50 b. Once inserted the split head ends 84 and 85 are allowed toexpand causing barb 84 a and barb 85 a to act as a top stop to therebyretain the flow limiter 40 in the socket of the converter 30. Similarly,disk 81 functions as a bottom stop to retain the flow limiter 40 in thesocket of the converter 30. While the purpose of the split stem is tofacilitate insertion of the stem into an opening in the socket bottomother means or methods may be used to insert or restrain axialdisplacement of a flow limiter.

A feature of the converter 30 is that during operation of dispensingvalve 10 the dispensing cartridges within the dispenser mechanicallymaintain the flow limiter 40 and the flow limiter 41 in a deactivatedcondition to allow fluid from the dispensing valve 10 to flow into andout of the dispensing cartridges, which are located in chamber 20 in thedispensing valve 10 and mate with the converter. However, removal of themateable dispenser cartridges from the dispensing valve 10 automaticallyactivates the flow limiter 40 and flow limiter 41 through utilization ofthe water pressure in the dispensing valve which urges the flow limiter40 and flow limiter 41 to a closed condition that limits or preventsbackflow into an open chamber of the dispensing valve. A benefit of theintegral activation and deactivation feature is that if a consumershould accidentally remove a dispensing cartridge from the dispensingvalve without shutting off the water pressure the flow limitersautomatically limit or prevent backflow of water into the chamber of thedispensing valve thus minimizing chances of a water spill or injury tothe person.

FIG. 6A shows a partial sectional view showing converter 30 bridgedacross the chamber 20 to reveal the frictional cooperation between thedispenser housing sidewall 10 a and converter 30. That is, theperipheral frictional engagement of the edge of radial fins 31 a withthe inner sidewall 10 a limits lateral and axial displacement of theconverter 30. In addition converter socket 35 extends into dispensersocket 19 a on dispensing valve 10 so that outer sidewall 35 a ofconverter socket 35 is in mating engagement with inner sidewall 19 c aof dispensing valve socket 19 a which extends vertically upward from thebottom of dispenser 10. Similarly, converter socket 36 extends intodispenser so that outer sidewall 36 a of socket 36 is in matingengagement with inner sidewall 19 d of socket 19 b to limit or preventflow leakage therebetween. The mating engagement between sockets of theconverter and the sockets of the dispensing valve is preferably africtional fit along the entire peripheral region of the sockets toprovide a flow path for water to flow through the dispenser sockets andthe converter sockets before entering chamber 20 which contains a set ofdispensing cartridges.

A feature of converter 30 is that it can be hand mounted in an existingdispensing valve without the aid of tools and without having to alterthe internal structure of the dispensing valve solely through frictionalengagement between the dispensing valve and the converter although othermethods may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. A reference to FIG. 6B shows a detail of a radial fin 31revealing an angled peripheral edge 31 b of radial fin 31 a in bitingengagement with sidewall 10 a. The radial fin 31 a is cantilevered fromhub 31 of converter 30 with the peripheral edge 31 b of the radial finsengaging the sidewall at an acute angle Θ. The radial fin is also anacute angle ϕ with respect to plane 37 which extends through an edge 31a of the radial fins 31 of the converter (FIG. 5) so that the end face31 b (FIG. 6B) is located at an acute angle to the sidewall with a sharpcorner or angled edge 31 b in contact with the side wall. The use of anangled edge 31 b for engaging the sidewall 10 a increases the frictionalresistance to removal of the converter from the inline dispenser. Inaddition the location of the fin 31 at an acute angle Θ with respect tothe sidewall 10 a allows the fin 31 a to flex with respect to the hub 31as the hub is forced downward into the dispenser. The flexing allows thefins 31 a to accommodate an inside housing 10 where the diameter of thehousing may vary since the fin 31 a can flex to cause the fin edge 31 cto bite into the sidewall 10 a. While the peripheral edge 31 a is shownas comprising a set of radial fins 32 the radial fins may be omitted asillustrated in the converter 210. In the example shown in FIG. 5 andFIG. 6 the end face 31 c of the fins is perpendicular to fin 31 a sothat the slight upward acute angle of fin 31 a with respect to plane 37,as illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 and FIG. 6B causes edge 31 b toengage the wall 10 a. A feature of the angled fin 31 a is that itinhibits or prevents removal of converter 30 since upward force onconverter 30 increases the friction forces since the upward force toincrease in diameter thus increasing the binding of the converter to thehousing.

While a frictional mating engagement between the dispensing valve 10 andthe converter 30 generates sufficient frictional resistant to maintainthe converter 30 within a dispensing valve one may want to taper thesidewalls of the sockets of either the dispenser or the dispensingcartridges to facilitate starting engagement between the sockets as theconverter is inserted into the inline dispenser. Still in other casesone may want the mating engagement between the converter and thedispensing valve to be the result of an interference fit between thesockets in the converter and the sockets in the inline dispenser.

A reference to FIG. 6 shows an isolated view of the converter 30 withflow limiter 40 and flow limiter 41 in the flow limiting condition andFIG. 7 shows and isolated view of the converter 30 with the flow limiter40 and flow limiter 41 in the non-flow limiting condition.

A reference to FIGS. 8-12 reveals the converter and the convertermateable dispensing cartridges for insertion in a dispensing valve andthe steps of an operator in first inserting a converter into adispensing valve and then inserting mateable dispensing cartridges intothe dispensing valve as well as the effect of the step of inserting orremoving a mateable dispenser cartridge from the dispensing valve. Theconventional step of inserting mateable dispensing cartridges into theconverter automatically changes the flow limiters in the converter froma flow limiting condition to a non flow limiting condition while theconventional step of removing the mateable dispenser cartridges from theconverter automatically changes the flow limiters in the converter froma non flow limiting condition to a flow limiting condition. In bothinstance the operation of changing the flow limiter condition from onestate to another is seamless and requires no special action by the poolowner.

FIG. 8 shows the first step (indicated by the arrows) of mounting aconverter 30 with flow limiters in a dispensing valve 10 throughfrictionally engagement between the converter fins 31 a and the sidewall10 a as well the engagement of the converter socket 35 with a firstextension socket 19 b of the dispensing valve 10 and the secondextension 19 a (located behind extension 19 b).

FIG. 9 is a side view partially in section showing the second step wherethe converter 30 has been frictionally engaged with sidewall 10 a aswell as mateinngly engaged with the dispensing valve extension watersocket 19 b and extension water socket 19 a (FIG. 3).

FIG. 10 is a side view partially in section showing the third step wherea set of nested dispensing cartridges 60 and 70, which are mateable withthe converter 30, are in the process of being inserted into the topsockets of the converter 30, which is mounted on the extension socketsof the dispensing valve 10. FIG. 11 and FIG. 11A show isolated views ofnested dispensing cartridges 60 and 70 that contain features thatseamlessly deactivate the flow limiters 40 and 41 in the converter 30.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial end view of an annular dispensing cartridge 60for insertion into dispenser 10. To facilitate correct insertion, thedispensing cartridge 60 includes an alignment slot 60 e for rotationalalignment of the dispenser cartridge 60 with respect to the dispensingvalve housing as well as alignment of a first socket 60 a having a setof fluid ports 60 f with a first dispensing valve socket and a secondsocket 60 b having a set of fluid ports 60 g for alignment with a seconddispensing valve socket. Located in cartridge socket 60 b is adeactivator cam 60 c. In this example cam 60 c comprises a rigid,rectangular shaped, rib that extends axially outward from end cap 60 dof cartridge socket 60 b. FIG. 12B shows that the height h of cam 60 cis less than the height L of a portion of sidewall 60 b that extendsbelow socket 60. The deactivator cam 60 c extends in a same direction asthe axis of insertion of the flow limiter 40 in the converter 30.Consequently, the step of axially inserting the cartridge 60 into thedispenser 10 can be used to deactivate the flow limiter 40 as cam 60 cforces the flow limiter 40 from the flow limiting condition shown inFIG. 12A into the non-flow limiting condition shown in FIG. 12 and FIG.12B. On the other hand the action of removing the dispensing cartridge60 from the dispensing valve activates the flow limiter 40 since cam 60c is removed from contact with the flow limiter 40 thus allowing thewater pressure within the dispensing valve to bring the flow limiter 40into the flow limiting position illustrated in FIG. 12A.

Through the insertion of a dispenser cartridge 60 with a cam 60 c havinga top cam face 60 r into a dispensing valve one simultaneously andautomatically deactivates the flow limiter 40 as the dispenser cartridge60 is installed in an inline dispenser. A benefit of this feature isthat a pool maintainer need not change his or her procedure forreplacing dispensing cartridges since the act of replacing thedispensing cartridge automatically deactivates or activates the flowlimiter 40. Consequently, opportunity for errors in replacing adispensing cartridge are not affected by the operator. In fact the poolmaintainer need not be aware of the deactivator cam 60 c as the flowlimiter is positioned so that the alignment of the socket of thedispensing valve with the socket in either of the converter or thedispensing valve automatically aligns the cam face 60 r of deactivatorcam 60 c with the end of flow limiter 40 as illustrated in FIG. 12B.Consequently, the primary action of insertion or removal of a dispensingcartridge from a dispensing valve seamlessly controls the operation ofthe flow limiter. Consequently, the pool maintainer need not take anyadditional action to activate the flow limiter since the axial removalof the dispenser cartridge 60 automatically activates the flow limiter40 as the deactivator cam 60 c is withdrawn from contact with the stemhead 84, 85 of flow limiter 40, which frees the flow limiter 40 torespond to fluid conditions within the system. Thus, a pool maintainerautomatically activates or deactivates a flow limiter through the actionof replacing a dispensing cartridge in the dispenser.

When the dispensing cartridge 60 is removed from a dispensing valve cam60 c activates the flow limiter 40 and when the dispenser cartridge 60is inserted into the dispensing valve 10 cam 60 c deactivates the flowlimiter. In the example shown the deactivator cam 60 c is fitted withindispenser socket 60 b and is positioned so that deactivator cam face 60r (FIG. 12B) contacts the end of the flow limiter 40 to hold the flowlimiter in an out of the way condition when the dispensers cartridge 60is located in an operable condition in the dispensing valve. In thisexample the deactivator cam 60 c comprises a rigid rectangular shapedextension or rib that extends outward from the bottom of socket 60 dhaving a cam face 60 r with the cam side 60 h and cam side 60 calignable with flow therepast.

FIG. 11A is a pictorial end view of a canister or cylindrical dispensingcartridge 70 having a chamber 70L for holding a dispersant 70 m, forexample chlorine or bromine or other types of water treatment materialscontainable in a dispensing cartridge. Dispensing cartridge 70 has acentral axis 9 with dispensing cartridge 70 nestable within dispensingcartridge 60 as illustrated in FIG. 10. Dispensing cartridge 70 alsoincludes a deactivator cam or rib 70 c for deactivating a flow limiter,which may be located in either a converter or a dispensing valve, whenthe dispensing cartridge 70 is inserted into the dispensing valve andactivating the flow limiter when the dispensing cartridge 70 is removedfrom the dispensing valve. In this example dispensing cartridge 70includes an alignment slot 70 i and 70 d for rotational alignment withdispensing cartridge 60 so that both dispenser cartridges 70 and 60 canbe aligned for placement in the dispensing valve. Dispensing cartridge70 includes a first socket 70 a having a bottom or end cap 70 e with aset of fluid ports 70 f therein for ingress water into the cartridge 70and a second socket 70 b having a bottom or end cap 70 h with a set offluid ports 70 f for egress of water from cartridge 70. In this examplethe deactivator cam 70 c also comprises a rectangular shaped extensionor rib, which is permanently mounted to the end cap 70 e with the rib 70c extending axially outward from end cap 70 e of socket 70 a and havinga cam face 70 g for engaging and deactivating a flow limiter.

FIG. 11B is an isolated pictorial view of an example of a low profiledeactivator 81 a, which is located in socket 80 a on a dispensercartridge 80. In this example socket 80 a has a top edge 80 b forengaging an end cap of a socket in either a converter or a dispensingvalve and an external mateable side 80 c for engaging a sidewall of asocket in either a converter or a socket in a dispensing valve. An endcap 80 e extends across the bottom of socket 80 a with one end of endcap 80 e including a set of fluid ports 80 d for flow of fluidtherethrough. Extending outward from end cap 80 e is the deactivator 81a, which comprises a cylindrical post having a cylindrical sidewall 81 aand a top circular cam face 81 b having a geometric center 83. In thisexample cam face 81 b can be used to deactivate a flow limiter when thedispensing cartridge 80 is inserted into a socket in either a dispensingvalve or a converter. The deactivator 81 has a height y which is lessthan the height y₁ of the sidewall 80 c, which allows one to align thesocket of the dispensing cartridge with either the socket of a converteror a dispensing valve before the deactivator 81 contacts the flowlimiter which is carried in a socket of either the converter or thedispensing valve. In this example the deactivator 81 is positioned withrespect to the socket sidewall 80 b as noted by the dimensions x and zthat are measured from a central axis 83 of deactivator 81. In order toprovide for cam engagement during and after insertion of the dispensingcartridge into the dispensing valve the flow limiter in the converter orthe dispensing valve is also positioned with respect to a sidewallsocket of the converter or the dispensing valve that mates with thesocket of the dispensing cartridge. Although the dispensing cartridgesand the dispensing valve are separate components the referencing of theposition of the deactivator 81 b with respect to a socket sidewall whichforms mating engagement with a socket sidewall on a converter or theinline dispenser, allows one to locate the deactivator 81 so that theinsertion of the dispensing cartridge 60 into the socket of a dispensingvalve or a converter automatically brings the deactivator 81 intoalignment and engagement with the flow limiter since the flow limiter isdimensionally positioned with respect to the socket sidewall carryingthe flow limiter.

A reference to FIG. 12A shows converter 30 located in dispensing valve10 with the dispensing cartridges having been removed from thedispensing valve 10. In this example the inlet water socket 19 aconnects to a source of pressurized water (not shown). Duringreplacement of a dispenser cartridge the source of pressurized water inthe dispensing valve 10 an operator normally closes the rotor valve 15(FIG. 1) to stop flow into the chamber of the dispensing valve, however,in the event an operator fails to close the rotor valve 15 the inventiondescribed herein provides a safety feature that automatically limits orprevents backflow of water into the dispensing chamber in the dispensingvalve 10 when the dispensing cartridges are removed from the dispensingvalve.

As can be seen in FIG. 12 the sockets of converter 30 mate to thesockets of the dispensing valve 10. That is, the dispensing valve watersocket 19 a is in mating engagement with bottom converter socket 35 anddispensing valve water socket 19 b is in mating engagement with bottomconverter socket 36. In the mated condition and without the presence ofa canister or dispenser cartridge the fluid pressure in socket 19 agenerates an upward force on flow limiter 40 causing the flow limiter 40to move axially upwards and block the ports 45 (FIG. 12A) with flange 81thus limiting or preventing fluid flow into the dispensing chamber 20.Similarly, fluid pressure in socket 19 b generates an upward force onflow limiter 41 causing the flow limiter to move axially upward andblock the ports 46 (FIG. 12A) with flange 81 a thus limiting orpreventing fluid flow into the dispensing chamber 20. Throughutilization of the internal fluid pressure within the dispenser one canurge the flow limiters 40 and 41 to a flow-limiting mode thus reducingthe chances that the water in the dispensing valve can escape thedispenser during a replacement of one or more of the dispensingcartridges.

Thus, in normal operation of the dispenser 10 a dispensing cartridge orcartridges are located in the chamber 20 of the dispensing valve. A setof deactivator's 60 c and 70 c on the dispensers normally hold the flowlimiter 40 and the flow limiter 41 in an open or non-flow limitingcondition. However, if a cartridge should be removed to be replaced whenthe dispensing valve contains fluid under pressure the flow limiters areautomatically displaced axially upward to block the ports in the socketsof the converter (FIG. 12A).

To retain the flow limiter in an operative condition within theconverter 30 the opening 50 d (FIG. 6D) in the bottom socket member 50is larger than the diameter of the stem 83 but less than the diameter ofthe stem at the barb which enables the flow limiter 40 to move axiallyup and down within sidewall 50 f in response to a water condition in thedispensing valve 10. Typically, the flow limiter 40 is made from apolymer plastic or the like with the weight of the flow limiter suchthat the water pressure forces the flow limiter 40 to move upward withflange 81 sealingly abutting against the underside of end cap 50 b (FIG.12A) thereby shutting off or limiting flow through the openings 45 insocket end cap 50 b. Similarly, the flow limiter 41 is made from apolymer plastic or the like with the weight of the flow limiter suchthat the water pressure forces the flow limiter 41 with flange 81 a tomove upward to sealingly abut against the underside of end cap 51 a(FIG. 12A) thereby shutting off or limiting flow through the openings 46in socket end cap 51 b. Thus in the flow limiting condition the flowlimiter 40 and 41 are allowed to be responsive to water pressure in thedispensing valve while in the non flow limiting condition the flowlimiters are not responsive to water pressure in the dispensing valve.

Typically, converter 30 can be quickly installed into the sockets at thebottom of an existing inline non-flow limiting dispensing valve toprovide an on-the-go conversion to a flow-limiting dispensing valve. Inthe installed condition an inner side wall 50 a of a top convertersocket 50 and an inner sidewall 51 a of top converter socket 51 engagethe outer side wall of mating sockets which are located on dispensingcartridges that are installed in the dispensing valve. In addition theradial fins 31 a on the converter 30 engage the inner surface 10 a tofrictional maintain the converter 30 in an operative condition withinthe dispensing valve 10.

FIG. 12 shows the deactivator 60 c holding the flow limiter 40 in adeactivated condition with deactivator 70 c holding flow limiter 41 in adeactivated condition to allow fluid to bypass the flow limiters andflow into the dispensing cartridges 60 and 70. Reference to FIG. 12Bshows an isolated view of a portion of a dispensing cartridge 60 havinga cam face end 60 r of a deactivator 60 c in contact with an end 84, 85of flow limiter 40 to maintain the flow limiter 40 in a bypass conditionwhere the flow of water into and out of the dispensing cartridge 60 canbe maintained. The dispensing cartridge socket 60 b is in matingengagement with the top converter socket 50 with the web or end cap 50 bof socket 50 in engagement with edge 60 p of dispensing cartridge 60. Inthis condition the deactivator 60 c, which extends a distance h from thesocket bottom 60 d, holds the flow limiter 40 in a non-flow limitingposition i.e. a deactivated condition. The height h of the deactivatoris such that in a condition where the cartridges are present in thedispenser the deactivator 60 c abuts the head 84,85 of the stem 83 tohold the flow limiter 40 in a condition that permits flow around thedisk seal 81 and through the ports 45. The axial alignment of thedeactivator 60 c and the stem 83 allows the action of inserting thedispensing cartridge 60 into the converter 30 to automaticallydeactivate the flow limiter 40. That is, the deactivator 60 c contactsthe top end 84, 85 of stem 83 as one pushes the dispensing cartridgeinto a dispensing position in the inline dispenser. More specifically,the cam face 60 r of deactivator 60 c pushes the stem 83 of the flowlimiter 40 downward to the position shown in FIG. 12B. Once in positionthe deactivator 60 c holds the flow limiter 40 in a deactivatedcondition i.e. disk 81 in a spaced condition from the web or end cap 50b of socket 50 thereby allowing flow into canister 60 through ports 45and 60 g. As illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 12B the fluid flowsaround the disk 81 and through the openings 45 and the openings or ports60 g and into the dispenser cartridge 60 where the water can come intocontact with the dispersant therein. Thus when the flow limiter 40 is ina passive or deactivated condition water bypasses the flow limiter 40allowing water to come into contact with the dispersant in thedispensing cartridge 60.

FIG. 13 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein flowlimiters 125 and 138 are incorporated directly into an inline dispensingvalve 100 and become an integral part of the dispensing valve. Flowlimiters 125 and 138 are identical to flow limiter 40 shown in FIG. 6Chowever, in this example the flow limiters are located in sockets of thedispensing valve rather than sockets in the converter. In this examplethe dispensing valve 100 includes inlet housing 111 to direct water intothe dispenser 100 and an outlet housing 112 that directs water out ofthe dispenser 100. A rotor valve 115 allows one to select the amount ofwater to flow through the dispenser and consequently the dispensing rateof the dispersant in the dispensing canisters, which would be located inchamber 220 of dispenser 100. In the example shown the dispensing valvesocket 120 includes a bottom member or end cap 127 having a return port126 and a dispenser cartridge inlet port comprised of a set of openings121 that are circumferentially positioned around the flow limiter 125.Similarly, the dispensing valve socket 130 includes a bottom member orend cap 131 having a return port 136 and a dispenser cartridge inletport comprised of a set of openings 137 that are circumferentiallypositioned around the flow limiter 138. The flow limiters 125 and 138are identical in operation to flow limiters 40 and 41 and automaticallylimit or prevent water flow into the dispenser chamber 220 when eitheror both of the dispensing cartridge are removed from the dispensingchamber 220 and are deactivated when dispensing cartridges are presentin dispensing chamber 220 to thereby let water flow into the dispensingcartridges. A benefit of the invention of FIG. 13 is that it eliminatesthe need for an insertable converter since the flow limiters can beincorporated directly in the dispensing valve sockets 120 and 130.

A feature of the invention is that the flow limiters can block the flowupstream of the dispenser cartridges with the deactivation andactivation of the flow limiters determined by the location of thedispensing cartridges with respect to a dispensing valve.

A feature of the invention described herein includes a pool operatorsability to on-the-go resize a dispensing valve such as an inlinedispenser shown in FIG. 3, to enable the dispensing valve to operablyreceive one or more different size dispensing cartridge without havingto alter or modify the internal structure of the inline dispenser. Tooperably receive is understood to mean that the dispenser cartridgeswithin the dispensing valve function in a normal dispensing mannerwhereby water flows into and out of the dispenser cartridge during thedelivery of a dispersant or dispersants to a body of water.

Thus the invention of resizing as illustrated in FIG. 12 and FIG. 3includes the method of on-the-go reconfiguring a dispensing valve 10that operably receives a first dispenser cartridge to operably receive asecond dispenser cartridge 60 where a water socket 50 of the firstdispensing cartridge is a different size than a water socket of thesecond dispensing cartridge 60. The on-the-go resizing comprises thestep of removing a first dispensing cartridge from engagement with awater socket in the dispensing valve (not shown) followed by inserting aconverter 30 having a top socket 50, a top socket 51 a bottom socket 35and a bottom socket 36 into a chamber 20 in the dispensing valve 10.

Next, one frictionally engages a bottom socket 35 and a bottom socket 36of the converter 30 with the water socket 19 a and the water socket 19 bof the dispensing valve 10. One can then insert the second dispensingcartridge 60 into the dispensing valve 10 and frictionally engagesockets 60 a and 60 b of the second dispensing cartridge with the topsockets of the converter.

Additional features may include the step of resiliently engaging a setof radial fins 31 a on the converter 30 with a sidewall 10 a of thedispensing valve 10 to maintain the converter 30 within the dispensingvalve through frictional engagement therebetween. While the method hasbeen described in relation to insertion of a single dispenser cartridgeinto the dispensing valve, the drawing illustrates that two dispensercartridges each having separate water sockets can be mated withadditional sockets in the converter and the dispensing valve.

In the example shown in FIG. 3 the converter 30 was mounted in thedispenser housing followed by the insertion of the dispensing cartridgesinto the converter 30. A feature of the invention described herein isthat the converter 30 may be first attached to the dispensing cartridges60 and 70 as illustrated in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a partialsectional view showing a set of dispensing cartridges 60 and 70 with aconverter 30 attached to the sockets 60 b and 70 b of dispensingcartridges 60 and 70. The sectional view of the converter 30 is takenalong lines 6,7 as shown in FIG. 4 so as to reveal both of the flowlimiters in the converter 30. By attaching the converter 30 to theinline dispensing cartridges one can further facilitate an upgrade ofthe dispensing system. That is, if cartridges 60 and 70 are attached tothe converter 30 the user need only take one step to upgrade thedispenser since the insertion of the dispensing cartridges 60 and 70with the attached converter 30 into the dispensing valve will also bringthe converter 30 into an operative condition within the inlinedispenser.

A further feature of this embodiment is that the peripheral edge of theconverter can securely fasten the converter 30 to the dispensing valvethrough frictional engagement therebetween while the axial removal ofone or both of the dispensing cartridges 60 or 70 from a dispensingvalve can be used to separate the dispensing cartridges 60,70 from theconverter 30. That is, the force of attachment of the dispensing valvecartridges 60, 70 to the converter 30 is less than the force required toremove the converter 30 from an inline dispersal valve. Consequently,one may remove spent cartridges while leaving the converter in place toreceive a set of fresh cartridges.

While FIGS. 1-15 show a converter for use in dispensing valves such asinline dispensing valve that contain a set of nested containers FIGS.16-24 show a bulk feeder converter and a set of dispensing cartridgesfor on the go converting a dispensing valve such as bulk feeder into acartridge feeder. While the term inline dispensing valves includes bothbulk feeders and inline dispersal valves that deliver dispersantsthrough fluid action the existing bulk feeders generally lack socketsfor direct engagement to a dispenser cartridge since the bulk feedersare intended to receive a dispersant in a bulk or loose conditionwithout a cartridge supporting the dispersant. The dispensing valve usedin conjunction as described herein may be either an inline dispensingvalve, an off line dispensing valve a bulk feeder dispensing valvealthough other types of dispensing valves may benefit from theinventions described herein.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a dispensing system with a set of nestingdispensing cartridges 220 and 221, a bulk feeder converter 210, a set offlow limiters 230 and 231 and a bulk feeder having a frusto conicalchamber 202 for receiving the cartridges, the converter and the flowlimiters. A cover, not shown, is secured to the top of the bulk feederto contain the cartridges, converter and flow limiters within thechamber 202. Dispensing cartridge 221 of FIG. 16 and dispensingcartridge 70 of FIG. 11 are identical as well as dispensing cartridge220 of FIG. 16 and dispensing cartridge 60 of FIG. 11. The dispensingcartridges are normally mounted in a nested relationship in a dispensingvalve as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,566.

FIG. 17 is an isolated view showing bulk feeder converter 210 about tobe axially inserted into a frusto conical chamber 202 of bulk feeder200, which has a larger diameter D₂ at the top of the bulk feeder thanthe diameter D₁ at the bottom of the bulk feeder as illustrated in FIG.16. Once the converter is inserted the converging diameter of thechamber 202 allows the bulk feeder converter 210 to be pushed downwarduntil the circular peripheral edge 210 a frictionally engages thecircular inner frusto conical wall 200 a of bulk feeder 200 and theunderside of the converter mates with the curvilinear lip 204 andcurvilinear lip 205 on the bottom of the bulk feeder. In this example,the diametrical dimension of converter 210 is selected so thatfrictional engagement between the converter 210 and the sidewall 200 aoccurs when the curved undersides of the converter 210 mates with thecurvilinear lip 204 and curvilinear lip 205 at the bottom of the bulkfeeder with the curvilinear lip 204 and curvilinear lip 205 eachdefining regions of flow into and out of the chamber 202 of the bulkfeeder. Consequently, through coordination of the diameter of theconverter with the vertical height where the underside of the convertermates with the bottom of the bulk feeder one can simultaneously securethe converter in the bulk feeder and form a fluid pathway between thebulk feeder and the converter. In this example the sole action ofaxially forcing the bulk feeder converter 210 into the bottom of thebulk feeder chamber 202 frictionally retains the converter in the bulkfeeder.

FIG. 17 illustrates the method of on the go reconfiguring a bulk feederusable in either an industrial water treatment application or anonindustrial water treatment application to a bulk feeder 200 forreceiving a water dispersant contained in a dispenser cartridgecomprising the steps of inserting a converter 210 having a peripheraledge 210 a, a first top cartridge socket 210 d and a first bottom socket214 (FIG. 19) and a second top cartridge socket 210 e and a secondbottom socket 245 (FIG. 19) into a chamber 202 in the bulk feeder 200and securing the converter 210 to the bulk feeder 200 through methods asillustrated in FIGS. 17b and 17c although other methods may be usedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 17A shows converter 210 mounted in the bottom of bulk feeder 200 ina condition to receive a set of dispensing cartridges and engage theports on the dispensing cartridge and FIG. 17B shows a detail of thefrictional engagement of the circular peripheral edge 210 a of converter210 with the with the frusto conical sidewall 200 a. In this example thecombination of a slight taper of the frusto conical sidewall 200 allowsthe converter to be inserted into the chamber until the peripheral edge210 a of the converter contacts the sidewall 200 a. Once contacted, afurther downward axial force on the converter 210 causes the peripheraledge 210 a of the converter to bite into the wall 200 a as shown in FIG.17b to thereby securely hold the converter in position to receive acartridge. The frictional engagement between converter 210 and sidewall200 a is sufficient to permanently retain the converter 210 in the bulkdispenser 200. However, if desired an alternate method, which is shownin FIG. 17C, may be used. In this example of an alternate method anannular member 250 is adhesively secured to the portion of the sidewall200 a above the converter 210 to prevent withdrawal of the converter 210from the bulk feeder. Bulk feeder 200 is typically used in the pool orspa industry. Other use of bulk feeders and bulk feeder converters arein within the scope of the present invention including feeders fortreating industrial water, for example water used in cooling towers orthe like. Thus the invention may be used in feeders useable in bothindustrial and nonindustrial water treatment applications withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a sectional perspective view of the bulk feeder 200 showingthe interior bottom portion of bulk feeder 200. Bulk feeder 200 issimilar to dispensing valve 10 shown in FIG. 3 but instead of having aset of sockets for engaging an inlet and an outlet in a set of canistersthe bulk feeder 20 includes a bottom member 207 having a firstcurvilinear lip 204 encompassing a curvilinear web 208 with a fluid port208 a and a second curvilinear lip 205 encompassing a second curvilinearweb 209 with a fluid port 209 a therein. In one mode of operation waterenters inlet fitting 255 and flows through inlet port 209 a into thechamber 202 and then flows back into outlet fitting 206 through port 208a. The curvilinear webs with the ports therein prevent a soliddispersant such as halogen pucks or tablets of chlorine or bromine fromfalling into the fluid stream flowing from the inlet port 209 a to theoutlet port 208 a of the bulk feeder 200. Since the pucks or tablets arelarger than the ports the water has an opportunity to flow around andthrough the pucks or tablets before being discharged through outletfitting 256. For purpose of clarity a rotary valve which would normallybe located in circular housing 260 of the bulk feeder 200 has been leftout. The purpose of the rotary valve is to increase or decrease the flowof water through the chamber 202 of the bulk feeder 200.

The set of curvilinear lips 204 and 205, which are located at the bottomof chamber 202, are suitable for forming mating engagement with featureson the underside of converter 210.

FIG. 19 shows a bottom view of bulk feeder converter 210 revealing acutout 210 b for pressure relief valve 230 (FIG. 18) as well as a firstcurvilinear lip 214 with a web 212 therein and a curvilinear lip 245with a web 213 therein. Located in web 213 is a first set of ports 213 eand a second set of ports 213 d which surround an opening 240 a forreceiving the stem of a first flow limiter. Similarly, located on web212 is a first set of ports 212 e and a second set of ports 212 d whichsurround an opening 241 for receiving the stem of a second flow limiter.When the converter is positioned in the bulk feeder the convertercurvilinear lip 214 mates with the curvilinear bulk feeder lip 204 andthe curvilinear converter lip 245 mates with the curvilinear bulk feederlip 205. In this example the peripheral edge 210 a can be brought intomating frictional engagement with a sidewall 200 a while the curvilinearconverter lip 214 is brought into mating face-to-face engagement withcurvilinear bulk feeder lip 204 and the curvilinear converter lip 205 isbrought into mating face-to-face engagement with curvilinear bulk feederlip 214.

While FIG. 19 shows the bulk feeder converter 210 without the flowlimiters FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 show the bulk feeder converter 210 withflow limiter 230 and flow limiter 231. FIG. 22 shows flow limiter 230comprises a planar flange member 231 having a first ear 230 a and asecond ear 230 b. Located on one end of flow limiter 230 is a stud 234having a split head 235 with a retaining shoulder 235 a. Flow limiter230 functions in the same manner as flow limiter 40 in that in one modethe flow limiter 230 can block flow through the ports in the websupporting the flow limiter and in a second mode the flow limiter isdeactivated through engagement with a cam on dispensing cartridge.

Flow limiter 230 is shown in an isolated view in FIG. 22 revealing astem 234 extending perpendicularly from the flat flange base 230 c ofthe flow limiter 230. In this example the flow limiter comprises anelliptical shaped flange formed from a polymer plastic or the like withthe flow limiter containing a first ear 230 a on one side of flowlimiter 230 and a second ear 230 b on the opposite side of flow limiter230 to maintain the flow limiter 230 properly positioned in the bulkconverter. That is, as shown in FIG. 21 the ear 230 a engages one sideof curvilinear lip 214 and the ear 230 b engages the other side ofmember curvilinear lip 214 to maintain the flow limiter in the properorientation to cover the openings in web 213. Flow limiters 230 and 231are identical and are shown in the closed condition in FIG. 21 toprevent or limit flow into the chamber of the dispenser valve 200 whenthere are no cartridges present in the bulk feeder 210.

However, when the flow limiter 230 is axially displaced from web 212water can flow through the ports in web 212 and when flow limiter 231 isaxially displaced from web 213 water can flow through the ports in web213.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the bulk feeder converter 210 revealing a firstsocket 211 having a web 213 with a set of ports 213 e and 213 d. The end247 of a stem of a flow limiter 230 extends through an opening in web213 to permit axial displacement of flow limiter 230 in response to acartridge placement in the bulk feeder. Similarly, a second socket 209includes a web 212 with a set of ports 212 d and 212 e. The stem end 235of a flow limiter 231 extends through an opening in web 212 to permitaxial displacement of flow limiter 231 in response to a cartridgeplacement in the bulk feeder.

FIG. 23 is a perspective partially cutaway view of a dispenser cartridgeor canister 300 having a housing 309 with a dispenser chamber 310.Canister 300, which is axially insertable into bulk feeder 200, includesa halogen 295 such as chlorine or bromine although materials may be usedwithout departing from the sprit and scope of the invention. Located onthe bottom of canister 300 is a first leg 301 that terminates in a firstelongated socket 303 and a second leg 302 that terminates in a secondelongated socket 321.

FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view revealing that the first elongatedsocket 303 includes an inside wall 304 that encompass a web 308. Web 308may include a key slot for engagement with a mating key on a converterto prevent the canister 300 from being inserted improperly. Web 308contains a set of openings 307 for passage of water into and out of thechamber 310 in canister 300. Secured to the bottom of web 308 is across-shaped deactivator cam 306 that is laterally offset from a socketsidewall 304 and the set of openings or ports 307 in web 308 with thecam extending axially outward from web 308 and terminated in a cam face306 a that can engage and deactivate a flow limiter in the converter 210when the converter 210 and the canister 300 are in socket-to-socketengagement. Similarly, FIG. 24a shows an identical socket 302 with thedeactivator comprising cylindrical post 343 having a top cam surface 343a and socket 31 with a cylindrical post 336 having a top cam surface 336a. In the example shown in FIG. 24A the openings 342 and 337 arerectangular in shape as compared to the square openings shown in FIG. 24although other shape fluid openings may be used to provide for a fluidpassage therethrough.

In the example shown the sidewall 304 around the web 308 extends agreater distance from the web 308 than the cam 306 to enablesocket-to-socket engagement between the canister and the converterbefore the cam engages the flow limiter in the converter. The cam 306 issimilar to cam 60 c in that the cam 306 axially engages one of the flowlimiters in converter 210 to permit water flow into the dispensingchamber 310 through the web supporting the flow limiter when the socket303 of canister 300 is placed in a top socket of the converter 210.Canister 300 also includes a second socket 320 that includes an insidesidewall 326 that encompass a web 325. Web 325 may include a key slotfor engagement with a mating key on a converter to prevent the canister300 improper installation of the canister 300. Web 325 also contains aset of openings 322 for passage of water into and out of the chamber 310in canister 300. Secured to the bottom of web 325 is a cross-shaped camdeactivator 323 that is laterally offset from sidewall 326 with cam 323extending axially outward from web 325 so that axial insertion of thecanister 300 into a converter in a bulk feeder engages and deactivatesthe flow limiter. In the example shown the sidewall 326 around web 325extends a greater distance from the web 305 than the cam 323 to enablesocket-to-socket engagement between the canister and the converterbefore the cam engages a flow limiter in the converter. In the exampleshown in FIG. 24 the cam face 306 a in socket 303 and the cam face 323in the socket 302 extend equal distance from the webs supporting themfor simultaneously deactivation of converter flow limiters when thedispenser 300 and the converter 210 are brought into socket-to-socketengagement. Preferably, the first cam face 306 a and the second cam face323 a are orthogonal positioned with respect to the central axis 9 ofthe dispenser 30 to enable the cam face to axially displace the flowlimiters to minimize lateral forces on the stem of the flow limitersthat may cause the flow limiters to bind as they are deactivated. In theexample shown the cam 323 and the cam 306 are molded into the canisterduring the formation of the canister housing 309 and become an integralpart of the canister housing.

In this embodiment the canister 300 includes two cams while the canister60 and canister 70, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 11A, each contains asingle cam for separately deactivating the flow limiters in theconverter 30.

In this example both the flow limiters in the converter are deactivatedby the cams so that water can flow through the converter and into andout of the dispenser cartridge.

We claim:
 1. A method of on-the-go reconfiguring a dispensing valve fromreceiving a first set of dispensing cartridges where the first set ofdispensing cartridge contain a bottom inlet and a bottom outlet of afirst size to receiving a second set of dispensing cartridges whereineach of the second set of dispensing cartridges have a bottom inlet anda bottom outlet of a second size which is a different size than thebottom inlet and the bottom outlet of the first set of dispensingcartridges comprising: removing the first pair of dispensing cartridgefrom a chamber in the inline dispenser; inserting a converter having aset of radial fins with a peripheral edge thereon for cantileverly andfrictionally engaging a sidewall of a dispensing valve at an acute angleto increase frictional resistance to removal of the converter from thedispensing valve, said converter having a first top socket and a secondtop socket and a first bottom socket and a second bottom socket into achamber in the inline dispenser; frictionally engaging the first bottomsocket of the converter with a first socket of the dispensing valve andfrictionally engaging a second bottom socket of the converter with asecond socket of the inline dispenser; and frictionally engaging a firstbottom socket of the second set of dispensing cartridges with a firsttop socket of the converter and a second bottom socket of the seconddispensing cartridge with the second top socket of the converter.
 2. Amethod of on the go reconfiguring a bulk feeder usable in either anindustrial water treatment application or a nonindustrial watertreatment application to a bulk feeder for receiving a water dispersantcontained in a dispenser cartridge comprising: inserting a converterhaving a peripheral edge, a first top cartridge socket and a firstbottom socket and a second top cartridge socket and a second bottomsocket into a chamber in the bulk feeder; engaging a cam in a dispensercartridge socket with a flow limiter in the converter to deactivate theflow limiter to form a first flow path between the bulk feeder and thefirst dispensing cartridge; and securing the converter to the bulkfeeder through cantileverly engaging the peripheral edge with aninterior surface of the bulk feeder.
 3. The method of claim 2 whereinthe step of securing the converter to the bulk feeder comprisesadhesively engaging the peripheral edge of the converter with a frustoconical sidewall of the bulk feeder by axially forcing the converterinto the bulk feeder until the first bottom curvilinear lip on theconverter is in engagement with a first curvilinear lip of the bulkfeeder to form a fluid passage between the bulk feeder and the converterand the second curvilinear lip on the converter is in engagement with asecond curvilinear lip of the bulk feeder to form a further fluidpassage between the bulk feeder and the converter.
 4. The method ofclaim 3 including the step of: inserting a first dispensing cartridgesocket into the top cartridge socket of the converter to form a fluidpassage between the first dispenser cartridge socket and the second topcartridge socket on the converter.
 5. The method of claim 4 includingthe step of inserting a second dispenser cartridge socket into thesecond top cartridge socket of the converter to form a fluid passagebetween the second dispenser cartridge socket and the second cartridgesocket of the converter.
 6. The method of claim 5 including the step offrictionally engaging the first dispenser cartridge socket with the topcartridge socket on the converter and the second dispenser cartridgesocket with the second top socket of the converter.
 7. The method ofclaim 2 including engaging a second cam in the second dispensercartridge socket with a further flow limiter in the converter todeactivate the further flow limiter to form a further fluid path flowbetween the bulk feeder and the first dispenser cartridge socket.
 8. Themethod of claim 7 wherein the first dispenser cartridge socket andsecond dispenser cartridge socket are extended from a common dispensercartridge compartment.